From: Ben517@aol.com
Sent: Saturday, February 07, 2004 7:35 PM
To: undisclosed-recipients:
Subject: MAIL CALL NO. 637 517TH PRCT--FEBRUARY 7, 2004
Hello,

Website                           www.517prct.org
Mail Call                           Ben517@aol.com
Mail Call archives          www.517prct.org/archives
Roster                              www.517prct.org/roster.pdf


2004 West Coast Party
April 19-22, 2004
Palm Springs, CA


Howard Hensleigh
 

Appointment Announcement

To: The Board of Directors, Officers, and membership through Mail Call and the Thunderbolt

In order to implement the 2003–2005 goal of obtaining the support of descendants and other family members to keep our Association thriving, I am, with the consent of the Officers and Directors appointing:

1. Bob Barrett (Ben’s son) and Wayne Cross (Tom’s son) historical specialists to support the faithful work of Clark Archer, our historian. It is an understatement to say that both Bob and Wayne are computer literate. Ben and Bob have organized our website and have given us Mail Call. They adds bits and pieces to our history each day. They also enrich our lives by keeping us in touch with each other and events important to us. All his life, Wayne Cross has lived with the historical events of the Combat Team through his father. He will work with Clark and Bob, keeping in touch with Carlisle Barracks and the airborne museum at Ft. Bragg. We hope to develop a two way street of information flow with these historic centers. We will add to their understanding of the role the Combat Team played in obtaining victory in the ETO. They will provide us bits of history Clark, Bob and Ben will add to our archives and the website.

2. Tom Reber (son of Bob Reber, deceased) as assistant to the president. Tom has attended our reunions, updated our roster, and prepared the Thunderbolt mailing list. As another under statement Tom is computer literate. He has a good knowledge of the membership and interest in the continued good health of the Association.

As we look to the future, we plan to bring more of the 517th Combat Team family members into working parts of the Association. We will also strive to create new contacts among the discrete elements of the 517th family to enhance their interaction and enjoyment of each other and Association activities.


Boom Boom Alicki
 
For the past 60 years the following words have been indelibly marked on my mind.  "Lafayette" and the answer was "We Are Here."  Is there  anyone from Regimental Headquarters that can verify that?
Bom Boom

       Bill Christian
 
Dear Ben , Thanks for your indication of coming to our reunion, Looking forward to meetig you. Lud Gibbons is on my standing committee and is always in attendance. I havent heard from Merle so far , althought he usually attends.We have been drawing pretty well and usually about 120 which includes families.There is always a surprise when a trooper shows up claiming he never heard of any reunions. I will try to keep you abreast of the early signups. Keep in touch if you have any questions .SPECIAL NOTE   a correction on the flyer regarding the rate at the hotel it should be 61.95 plus tax single or double occupancy not per person.                   Regards  ,Bill
Bob Barrett
 
Subject: THE NEW SCHOOL PRAYER
>
>Now I sit me down in school
>Where praying is against the rule
>For this great nation under God
>Finds mention of Him very odd.
>If Scripture now the class recites,
>It violates the Bill of Rights.
>And anytime my head I bow
>Becomes a Federal matter now.
>
>Our hair can be purple, orange or green,
>That's no offense; it's a freedom scene.
>The law is specific, the law is precise.
>Prayers spoken aloud are a serious vice.
>
>For praying in a public hall
>Might offend someone with no faith at all.
>In silence alone we must meditate,
>God's name is prohibited by the state.
>
>We're allowed to cuss and dress like freaks,
>And pierce our noses, tongues and cheeks.
>They've outlawed guns, but FIRST the Bible.
>To quote the Good Book makes me liable.
>
>We can elect a pregnant Senior Queen,
>And the 'unwed daddy,' our Senior King.
>It's "inappropriate" to teach right from wrong,
>We're taught that such "judgments" do not belong.
>
>We can get our condoms and birth controls,
>Study witchcraft, vampires and totem poles.
>But the Ten Commandments are not allowed,
>No word of God must reach this crowd.
>It's scary here I must confess,
>When chaos reigns the school's a mess.
>So, Lord, this silent plea I make:
>Should I be shot; My soul please take!
>Amen